Blumenfield Applauds Federal Support for River Restoration

posted by Jason Levin | 858sc
May 29, 2014

$1 bilion project brings major benefits for the environment, job creation, and livability throughout the corridor.

LOS ANGELES, CA – Councilmember Bob Blumenfield made the following statement following the Army Corps of Engineers announcement that it would be pursuing Alternative 20, a proposal to restore 719 acres of river habitat in Los Angeles:

“I applaud the Army Corps of Engineers for pursuing a more ambitious plan for restoration along the Los Angeles River. The L.A. River was home to the earliest Angelenos who founded our pueblo on its banks. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to reinvigorating the River, not only as a critical natural resource, but as a destination for recreation and investment.

I’ve been pushing for L.A. River revitalization since my time with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Last year I was a proud to travel with the Mayor to Washington, D.C. to lobby the White House and congressional leaders on behalf of the L.A. River restoration. The Corps decision will benefit all Angelenos.

I am confident that every dollar invested in the L.A. River downstream incentivizes further investment in the Valley. Just last week I toured the Mayor through my district to highlight job creation and economic development opportunities. We couldn’t leave without making a stop at the confluence of the L.A. River and the Aliso Creek, where a park will soon bring much needed open space to the L.A. River in Reseda. I look forward to the opportunity to make the case to the Army Corps for further restoration along the entire 51-mile length of the River, which begins at the headwaters in Canoga Park.”